by Víctor Arreola
What do you know about Mexico’s Independence?
Read this article to find out more about the motives of this fight for sovereignty.
INTRO
The Mexican War of Independence began in 1810 and concluded in 1821, it has significant importance for the world due to its impact on global politics and the dusk of colonial structures in Latin America.
IDEALS AND REFERENTS
The “Nueva España” people successfully challenged the Spanish colonial rule and its monarchy, setting a precedent for other Latin American countries. The original goal was to seek autonomy, however, ended up igniting the spark of independence movements across the continent.
This change of model, from colonialism to a new nation, and the work of some thinkers like José María Morelos y Pavón about abolishing slavery and looking for universal human rights, contributed to the reconfiguration of global paradigms and borders distribution in the 19th century; at the same time embodied the ideals of freedom that were central to the Enlightenment and the North American and French revolutions of the late 18th Century.
Some other referents of the cause like Miguel Hidalgo led with principles of equality, justice, and national sovereignty, which resonated globally. Their struggle for independence not only inspired posterious movements but also set a revolutionary climate for future movements like the one from Simon Bolivar in the south of the continent.
A NEW ECONOMIC MODEL FOR THE AMERICAS
Mexico’s transition to independence opened up new ways of development, resulting in a new economic global network. The shift from a traditional colony to an autonomous nation took some years, but provided the opportunity for growth of a new cultural identity, contributing as well to the emergence of modern diplomatic relationships with the rest of the world. Mexico now could trade with different countries making their own profit.
The development of a fresh and unique Mexican identity that mixed indigenous, Spanish, and African influences brought to the world a cultural mosaic that afterwards determined the Latin American heritage in general: bringing together cultural diversity. This independence also set a model for multiculturalism and national identity that influenced other emerging nations in the region enhancing pride over their own triumphs against injustice.
CONCLUSION
The Mexican War of Independence is a reference to understand the evolution of international relations. Around the world, it showed the challenges and hurdles that the new independent nations had to surpass in establishing a stable government and structuring their diplomacy; this event also highlights universal ideas of freedom and the desire for people to have control over their own countries. Other nations often see Mexico’s independence as a key moment in the fight for liberty and the end of European colonial rule in the Americas inspiring their own independence efforts.